Tuna Fishery of Santa Panagia in Syracuse
The Tonnara di Santa Panagia is located north of Syracuse , on the homonymous promontory, one of the most fascinating and articulated stretch of rocky coast of Syracuse. It was a returning trap, that is, a trap that fished tuna and mackerel that returned to the open sea after the mating season.
In this place, from the beginning of the twelfth century, a first trap was built. Destroyed by the earthquake of 1693, it was later rebuilt and lived years of splendor until its closure.
It is estimated that the tonnara employed an average of 30 fishermen, rising to over 40 units in the periods of greatest catch. In addition to the staff dedicated to tuna fishing, the community of the trap of Santa Panagia was also made up of a chaplain from the adjacent church dedicated to Santa Lucia and the managers of a small food shop.
At the entrance to the site a roadman's house was built, whose presence allowed both workers to reach the trap and to undertake commercial activities towards Catania. Next to the tonnara there is the oratory of Santa Panagia, a small rock church with now illegible frescoes, dedicated to the cult of the Madonna.
The place is currently under renovation.
